Went by a local shop today and checked out two more options that fit my budget. One was a Colt Combat Commander in blued steel and the other was a Kimber Pro Carry with night sights (which was similar in size but much lighter).

Honestly, they both felt pretty good in hand and neither felt too large or heavy. I think it opens up some more options for me to look at.

I'm going to a gun show this weekend to fondle a few more for comparison.

So, now that I've widened my view, what are the thoughts on the Kimber pro carry and colt combat commander?

I like the Colt. I don't like the Kimber (personal preference...other folks love 'em, and that's OK, too). There really isn't anything wrong with any of your choices. Sir, you are suffering from "paralysis by analysis." Just get one.

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Regarding the 1911: "The gun was designed to function. If it's built to the proper specs...it'll run. It's a machine. It doesn't have a choice." 1911Tuner

Thanks for all the feedback so far. I went to the gunshow this morning and this followed me home to be my first 1911:

Kimber Compact CDP - Series 1 - with Laser Grip & night sights

Hopefully I made a good choice for my first 1911. The action seems to be pretty smooth. The feed ramp looks to have been polished. It cycles snap caps very well. Unfortunately, it's raining and I may not get to try it out until next weekend.

Only thing I don't really like is the backstrap. It's very rough, and I think I'd prefer something more similar to the cuts on the front of the grip.

Any comments, thoughts, or things I should look for?

That's a flat out home run. You can spend (a lot) more and not get a better carry 1911. That's a great choice.

So other than the firing pin safety being tied to the grip safety, it's similar but with maybe better build quality?

I'm not sure if I over paid for it or not, but got it with the box, rosewood grips, manual, 1 kimber mag, and crimson trace grips for $999. Night sights still glow, but could probably be brighter. My way of thinking was that if you took away $200 for laser grips, it meant paying about $799 for the pistol itself which I thought made sense.

Oh yes, and I weighed it on the kitchen scale and it comes in at 27.25 oz without mag, and 29.5 with empty mag.

Assuming the pistol is in good operating conditions, that is a very good deal, actually a great deal. Kimber was not doing quite as much volume back then and their QC problems have risen considerably since the Series II's have been in production. There was even an ill fated attempt to switch to external extractors, which thankfully Kimber has abandoned.

This is replacing a Glock 26 for everyday carry. Just wanted a larger caliber and always wanted a 1911. I know glocks have their own safeties, but I was never able to get comfortable with CCW'ing with a chambered glock. Almost got to the point of putting a thumb safety on my glock, but decided to just switch platforms instead.

So, back to magazines, what would be the best brand 7rd magazine to put in this to remain reliable and to keep a flush fit in the grip?

The Series 1, or pre series II is a much better gun than the series II!!

The difference is no Swartz safety and much better build quality.

You did GOOD!!!!

Remember if you have feed problems first try a Colt mag. If that doesn't clear it up then get a Wolff spring specifically for the Kimber 4 inchers. Last resort try a Wilson Combat mag. I almost guaranty that it will work fine. If not the remedies above will take care of issues.

Take this for what it is worth;
I hate Kimbers. New Kimbers that is. But I'd own that gun in a heartbeat, especially with the Crimson trace Grips.

I am looking at this one myself for my first 1911, but dont mind spending a little more if necessary. What would SW 1911, DW valor, DW pointman, SA TRP or even a STI trojan offer over the spartan(if any).

I am looking to get my first 1911. Looking for something in the $600-900 range. I have been looking hard at the SW 1911's,and held a DK model at a gunshop and it was a better fit and finish than had originally thought. The feedback on SW has been good on this forum. What does the Doug Koenig model offer over the standard model. I know it had an upgraded mag well and squared trigger, but what about the other internals. I can beat all the prices on gunbroker for on the DK model.

I also have this little thought that I should get the STI spartan and add/build some upgraded parts later...what do you experienced guys think? How close is the STI spartan to the SW, and what does the DK model add to the equation besides looking great . I have searched this forum through and through and have come down to these models.

To each his own, I carry a SW 1911PD daily and in my experience, the S&W's are just not really particular to what they are fed and seem to function with a variety of aftermarket mags. Mine likes ACT, Wilson, Chip Mc and Nighthawk mags just fine. Never hiccuped except with 45+P and a recoil spring change fixed that as well.

The DK has a flat trigger which takes some getting used to "for me anyways" but is a really good shooter. Had one in 45. Wish I still did. The S&W will take most aftermarket access. such as mainspring housings, guide rods, triggers etc. just as the STI and it has a lifetime warranty.

Only shot STI's a few times, likes them, but not as much as my Smith's